# **PayPal Not Working? Learn How to Troubleshoot Connection & Payment Problems
If you have ever tried sending money or paying online only to find **PayPal not working**, you know how frustrating that is. Everything from a failed transaction, a frozen app, or a problem with the connection may disrupt personal and business payments.
The good news? Most **PayPal not working** issues are easy to troubleshoot and fix in just a few steps. Let's explore exactly what causes these problems — and how to solve them.
Participants of this training should include:
Understanding Why PayPal Not Working Happens
The most common causes when **PayPal is not working** are one of four issues: problems with connectivity, software issues, failure of payment, or account limitations.
Connection and Login Issues
This could be due to unstable Wi-Fi or a poor data signal. Such conditions may impede PayPal's communication with its servers. If you can't log in, or if the app won't load, your network just might be the culprit.
App or Browser Issues
An outdated PayPal app or a browser full of old cache files can result in login errors, timeouts, or crashes. Utilizing unsupported browsers can also trigger messages saying that “PayPal is not working.”
Payment and Transaction Failures
Payments may fail due to your bank having declined a transaction, an insufficient balance in your PayPal, or failure of account verification.
Account Restrictions and Verification Holds
If PayPal suspects unusual activity, they may limit your account temporarily. During this period, you might not be able to send or receive funds until verification steps are complete.
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## How to Fix PayPal Not Working (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting the problem of **PayPal not working**, either on the app or desktop version.
**Step 1: Check PayPal Server Status
First and foremost, make sure PayPal's servers are up and running. You can check on [PayPal's Status Page](https://www.paypal-status.com/) or [Downdetector](https://downdetector.com/status/paypal/) to see if there's any kind of general outage.
**Step 2: Troubleshoot Network or Wi-Fi Issues
Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data and vice versa. Restart your router or reconnect to a secure and stable network. Avoid public Wi-Fi when using PayPal.
**Step 3: Update or Reinstall the PayPal App
Go to the App Store or Google Play, search for PayPal, and tap *Update.* If that doesn’t help, uninstall and reinstall the app to reset configurations.
**Step 4: Clear Cache and Cookies (App & Browser)**
Often, the cached files conflict with PayPal’s login and payment systems.
* **On Mobile:** Settings → Apps → PayPal → Storage → Clear Cache.
* **On Browser:** Clear cookies and cache from settings, then reload PayPal.
**Step 5: Confirm your account and attached payment methods
Ensure that your PayPal account is verified and linked to an active card or bank account. Go to *Wallet* → *Link a Bank or Card* and confirm your details.
### Step 6: Disable VPNs, Proxies, or Browser Extensions
PayPal blocks all VPN and proxy traffic for security reasons. Disable such tools before you log in. Also, disable ad blockers or extensions that modify page content.
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## **Fixing PayPal Payment Problems
When PayPal Declines a Payment
If a payment is declined, your funding source may have rejected it. If possible, try another payment method, or contact your bank to approve PayPal transactions.
How to Fix "Payment Pending" or "Cannot Process" Errors
These usually mean either that the recipient's account is not properly set up or that PayPal's servers are running slow. Try after a few hours.
Ensuring Your Bank or Card Is Active
One common reason for **PayPal not working** is when cards expire or bank accounts are closed. Keep your payment method current at all times.
Currency, Region, and Limit-Related Payment Issues
Some transactions are blocked because of currency mismatches or local regulations. Please check the *Limits* and *Currency Settings* under *Settings → Payments.*
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## **Fixing PayPal Connection Issues
**Troubleshooting Slow or Failed Logins
if your PayPal app is taking forever loading, or isn't logging in,
* Restart your phone or PC.
* Reconnect to a stronger internet source.
* Reinstall the PayPal app or try another browser.
Secure Network and Browser Settings for PayPal
Always access PayPal with an HTTPS connection. Do not save passwords on shared devices, and make sure your browser is up-to-date.
Device-Specific Connectivity Tips (Mobile & Desktop)
On Mobile: Enable airplane mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off to restart your network.
On desktop, do a speed test. If latency is high, restart your router and then try PayPal again.
The effect of this literature is perhaps best summarized by the following:
**When to Contact PayPal Support
If you've tried all the above and still can't get PayPal to work, then it's probably an account-specific issue.
How to Contact PayPal's Help Center
You can also contact PayPal's customer service by visiting its [Help Center](https://www.paypal.com/us/cshelp), clicking *Message Us*, or calling their support line. You can also reach them via *Twitter @AskPayPal*.
**Details to Include When Reporting Problems
Provide
* A screenshot of the error message
* Email registered to your account
* Transaction ID (if applicable)
* The device or browser you’re using
This helps PayPal's team diagnose the issue quicker.
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## Preventing Future "PayPal Not Working" Issues
**Keep the App, Browser, and OS Updated
Always keep your software updated. Updates usually fix security and connection bugs that cause malfunctioning in PayPal.
**Enable Notifications and Two-Factor Authentication
Set up 2FA to add an extra layer of security. Turn on notifications to receive warnings in case something goes wrong.
Regularly Check Linked Payment Accounts
Periodically review your linked cards and bank accounts to make sure they're active and haven't expired.
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## **FAQs About PayPal Not Working
**Q1. Why is PayPal not working on my phone?
Check your network and update the app. Clearing cache often solves many app crashes.
Q2. Why does my PayPal payment keep failing?
This could be due to lack of funds, expired cards, or problems regarding account verification.
**Q3. Can a VPN stop PayPal from working?
Yes, PayPal blocks VPN and proxy connections to prevent fraud.
**Q4. How can I check whether PayPal is down? You can check either [PayPal Status](https://www.paypal-status.com/) or [Downdetector](https://downdetector.com/status/paypal/).
**Q5. Why can’t I log in to my PayPal account? Login failures can be caused by the use of incorrect credentials, cache issues, or browser problems.
**Q6. Why is PayPal not sending my money? Check that your account is verified, your funding source is fine, and there are no limits in the Resolution Center.
--- ## Conclusion: Get PayPal Back to Working Perfectly Dealing with **PayPal not working** can interrupt your business and personal payments; most issues have quick fixes. From checking your network and updating the app to verifying your account and payment methods, the solutions above resolve 90% of the most common errors. Remember to keep your device updated, switch off VPN during transactions, and always check the status of PayPal's services for any connectivity or payment issues. If the problem persists, please contact [PayPal Support](https://www.paypal.com/us/cshelp); they will restore full access to your account as soon as possible with complete safety. -
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